Roundworms

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Most commonly found intestinal worms, shaped like earthworms that can be seen easily with naked eye.
Roundworms thrive in the gastrointestinal tract.

Affects all ages, but most common in children.

A parasite called ascaris whose eggs enter the human body through contaminated water, food or soil-contaminated hands.

Wash hands frequently – ALWAYS before eating.
Keep fingers away from the mouth.
If you have pets, get them treated for worms.
Other
Worms may sometimes be passed in stools or may be seen in the child’s bed. Rarely, one may be vomited.

If untreated:

Anemia or malnutrition. May cause failure to thrive and abnormal physical and mental development in children.
ï¿½ Intestinal obstruction with large numbers (rare).

Usually curable in 1 week with treatment.

Wash hands carefully after using the toilet or before meals. Keep nails short and clean.
Wash the anus and genitals with warm soap and water. Wash well, preferably under a shower.
If possible, boil all soiled linen, nightclothes, underwear, towels and washcloths that have been used by anyone with roundworms. Fabrics that cannot be boiled can be soaked in an ammonia solution (1 cup of household ammonia to 1 bucket of cold water).ï¿½ After treatment, scrub all toilet seats and bathroom floors.

Your doctor will prescribe drugs to kill roundworms

Hygienic diet.

Your child has symptoms of roundworms.
Roundworms reappear after treatment.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

For other worms click here.